Leicester City are weighing up a move for West Ham striker Callum Wilson, with the forward potentially available on a free transfer later this month.
The 33 year old has slipped down the attacking hierarchy at the London Stadium following the arrivals of Pablo and Valentin Castellanos, signed from Gil Vicente and Lazio. With West Ham reshaping their frontline under Nuno Espirito Santo, Wilson’s future in east London looks increasingly uncertain.
Leicester, meanwhile, boosted their Championship play off ambitions with a 2 1 win over West Brom on Monday night. That result lifted the Foxes to 12th place and brought renewed optimism after a spell of mixed results.
Manager Marti Cifuentes is keen to strengthen his attacking options in January, and the chance to bring in an experienced striker without paying a transfer fee is seen as an attractive opportunity.
Championship interest alongside Saudi attention
Wilson has scored four goals in 17 Premier League outings this season, but West Ham now appear focused on their newer attacking options as they battle to avoid relegation. The Hammers are currently seven points from safety after a damaging home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
According to BBC Sport, discussions are underway about ending Wilson’s contract early. Speaking on TalkSPORT, transfer insider Ben Jacobs said Saudi Pro League sides Al Shabab and Al Ettifaq are monitoring the situation, but added that Championship clubs should not be ruled out.
Jacobs explained that Leicester are keeping a close watch and would only move if Wilson becomes a free agent, as they are not in a position to pay a transfer fee.
Although his time at West Ham has failed to make a lasting impact, Wilson previously built a strong reputation at Newcastle United and Bournemouth, where his finishing ability was consistently on display.
A potential boost for Leicester’s promotion push
Leicester’s season has included nine league defeats, leading to questions over their consistency under Cifuentes. However, recent victories over Derby County and West Brom have pulled them within four points of the top six, restoring belief that a play off challenge is still possible.
Adding a proven goalscorer could be vital. Wilson netted 49 times in 130 appearances for Newcastle and was a reliable option despite often playing second fiddle to Alexander Isak. Earlier in his career, he also delivered regularly in the EFL with Bournemouth and Coventry City.
With midfielder Jordan James currently leading Leicester’s scoring charts on eight goals, the arrival of an experienced striker could provide the cutting edge needed to sustain their push towards the play offs.
If Leicester act quickly, Wilson could even make his debut against former club Coventry on 17 January, which would add extra intrigue to an already important fixture.